I miss USC football. I miss 1970s “Student Body Right” football with OJ Simpson right through defenses.

I miss Pat Haden throwing passes and players like Brad Budde and Anthony Munoz making this football program exceptional.

Forget about the recent teams that were “Trojans” football, I’ll take the real thing.

If the Trojans could pick a better way to get the 2013 season underway other than a trip to Hawaii, I’d like to know where that would be?

This is a serious year for this program. Dealing with the issues of USC and Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll and then moving into the Lane Kiffin era, which has been anything but exciting but more lackluster, 2013 will be the season which will tell fans and media alike, what happens in 2014.

In other words, this is the last chance Kiffin gets. Anything less than over the top success will find Kiffin out and another coach will be sought.

While the team is excited to have Marqise Lee catching the football from Max Wittek or anyone else Kiffin puts out there, there are still questions about this offense and a defense that is still young and learning to play against a conference that is much better than last year.

The good thing is the offensive line lost one starter and looks to be one of the best in the conference. According to nationalchamps.net, “The offensive line only lost one starter. This unit has proven to be exceptional at pass protection but falls way short on the run blocking.”

Those are good things to build on.

Here is a breakdown of the Trojans' schedule this coming season…

August 29 @ Hawaii:This may not be as easy as it looks. The Trojans travel for the first game of the season. The time change may be a challenge. And as we all know, Hawaii always has a high-powered passing attack. Kiffin will play Wittek and Cody Kessler in this game. Trojans win 23-19.

September 7 vs. Washington St.: Let’s see how this team does well against the Pac-12 early on. Does the time in Hawaii affect the players. Could this be a trap game? Trojans win 21-20.

September 14 vs. Boston College: Steve Addazio will get an early test with his new program. The former Gators' coordinator will try to use an aerial attack. But the Eagles are no match for USC at home. Trojans win 27-10.

September 21 vs. Utah State: I think this might be more entertaining than we all think. Utah State can be one of those teams that will get Vince Dooley-like press coverage. USC will win, but before that happens, Utah State will seem like a Goliath. Trojans big, 31-3.

September 28 @ Arizona St.: Second conference game of the season. The Sun Devils playing at home will be tough to beat. This could be a trap game. I personally don’t think The Trojans are that good. But I also don’t think the Sun Devils are, either. Home team takes it in a thriller. Sun Devils win 33-30.

October 10 vs. Arizona: Here come the Wildcats. A third quarterback in three seasons for the Wildcats and a new defense. The Trojans win their second conference game of the season. Trojans 23-13.

October 19 at Notre Dame: The team is better than expected, but it would appear the Golden Domers are better than the Trojans. If the game was played in California, this would be a different story. Notre Dame wins this one, 29-17.

October 26 vs. Utah: This will be one of those games where everyone one will be healthy. Wittek will look like Johnny Unitas and the Trojans will march all over the Utes. Trojans win 45-10.

November 1 vs. Oregon State: Another conference win. Silas Redd has a huge game and Lee sets his sights on an All-American season. Trojans roll, 28-0.

November 8 @ California: The Bears aren’t the Bears of last season, but they still aren’t the Bears of years gone by. This could be a shootout where the team who touches the ball last wins. Bears in a stunner, 27-24.

November 16 @ Stanford: Sorry Trojans fans, this one won’t be close. Yes, there is no Andrew Luck, but this is a solid team that could compete for a national title. Trojans get humiliated, 31-13.

November 23 at Colorado: It’s good to know there are teams on the schedule that will help the pain go away. Being bookended by Stanford and UCLA cannot be a comforting feeling for the Buffaloes. Trojans win 32-18.

November 30 vs. UCLA:This will be a barn burner. Brett Hundley will have a pretty good chance to light up the Trojans secondary. This is the game that decides Lane Kiffin’s future. Sorry, Lane. Bruins win, 20-16.